To be honest though, what made the concert most memorable is that the
audience sang along -- on the refrains and often more -- almost
from start to finish. I love to sing so this was the best. And we
were good! Doesn't hurt that Dougie actually sings in a key that's
perfect for me, and virtually every chorus is memorable and
singable.
I knew several of the songs already from _The Dougie MacLean
Collection_, and many were from his newest cd, RIOF, which I picked
up at the concert. He also treated us to a new song, inspired I
guess by his realization that he is becoming his father. He sang it
in the first set, explaining that he always heard that you should
sing new music early so if it goes over like a lead balloon everyone
will forget about it by the end of the concert. We loved it, and
the applause was loud and long. His follow up comment: Thank God
for that!
We were treated to Caledonia -- complete with story of Dougie
singing it with James Bond -- for an encore. The only downer of the
evening was seeing one of his gorgeous guitars with duct tape all
down one side -- the airline trashed it and he opened the case to
find a major crack. Still sounded like a dream though.
If you get a chance, don't miss him!
Robin
rbhoff@ix.netcom.com
NJ, USA